From my limited knowledge, the academy picks are based on a point system. The scenario that unfolded on draft night, forced Brisbane to match Freo's selection by utilizing their remaining picks, in this case their pick after Freo to snare Connor Bellenden. Each pick in the draft has points allocation attached to them.
www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.perthnow.com...d3b1e65278c6bd35.amp
In next year's draft, we get a free hit with Jason Carter, and should an opposition selects him before we do, we'll be able to match the offer if we wished to. My gut feel is that he'll be a second round pick, and while not having one next year, a combination of draft picks in other rounds would seal the deal. Or we somehow trade back into the second round.
Happy to stand corrected and get other views on this issue.